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"If we can stave off pre-diabetes, I think we can potentially prevent a lot of cases of type 2 diabetes, a lot of cases of cardiovascular disease, many forms of cancer and even some neurodegenerative diseases."

More than two million Australians currently live with pre-diabetes (Supplied).

His team collaborated with several others, including the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute to find ways of solving the problem.

Their experiments involved the use of human and animal samples with pre-diabetes.

Concentrations of CoQ were found to be lower in insulin-resistant body fat and muscle tissue.

"In our study, we've shown that if you can replenish CoQ10 back up to its normal levels, you can prevent the development of pre-diabetes," said Mr James.

Experiments conducted by researchers from the University of Sydney have been looking at the connection between CoQ10 and the reduction of pre-diabetes risk in people (Supplied).

Co-author Dr Daniel Fazakerley said CoQ provides a vital role in converting nutrients like fat and sugar into usable energy.

"CoQ is found in mitochondria, the power plants in the cells of our body, where it is required for the flow of electricity to the cell's motor which is responsible for energy production," he said.

Researchers are now working on finding an effective way of boosting CoQ levels.

That includes targeting some of the machinery that is responsible for synthesising the molecule in the body's tissues.

"What we have to be talking about is not treating disease. We have to be talking about preventing disease. That's where the health systems have to be going now," said Mr James.

Ted Hartley, 69, from Blacktown in Sydney's west says type 2 diabetes is preventable and he was only diagnosed in 2010 after experiencing pains in his feet.

"It's very preventable," he said.

"It's related to both obesity and lack of exercise," said Mr Hartley.

Mr Hartley is on four types of medications to control his diabetes and protect his heart.

He wants other people to realise how dangerous the condition can be.

"To the extent that you can even need limbs amputated, you can develop a heart condition, you can have a stroke. Diabetes is associated with a lot of secondary conditions," he said.